The Aboveground Storage Tank Program is designed to prevent releases of oil from aboveground Petroleum Storage Tanks (ASTs) in New Hampshire. Petroleum ASTs are regulated by both the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the New Hampshire Fire Marshal's Office. DES established rules for petroleum ASTs in April 1997. The rules entitled Aboveground Petroleum Storage Facilities (Env-Or 300) can be downloaded below. These rules apply to:

facilities with a single AST system having a capacity greater than 660 gallons, or

facilities with two or more ASTs that have a total storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons

(Note: ASTs with a combined capacity of 1,320 gallons or less storing fuel oil used only to heat an on-premise structure are exempt. This includes home heating oil tanks.)

All regulated ASTs in New Hampshire shall be registered with DES. To register an AST download this registration form, complete the form and mail it to DES at the address at the top of the form. There is no registration fee.

All new regulated ASTs having a capacity greater than 660 gallons must be approved by DES before they can be installed. Approval is obtained by submitting the following:

an engineered site plan showing where the proposed tank will be located

a completed application form

cut sheets containing information on the tank, high level alarms, gauges, pumps, and any other appurtenance that will be installed on the tank system

All plans shall be prepared and certified by a New Hampshire licensed professional engineer. A list of engineers can be viewed and/or downloaded. Refer to Env-Wm 1402.17 of the AST rules and page 2 of the application form for additional submittal requirements. Both DES and the State Fire Marshall have adopted NFPA30, NFPA 30A, and NFPA 31, as appropriate, for the installation of all ASTs in New Hampshire. Information on how to obtain the NFPA codes can be obtained by contacting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

An SPCC Plan is a well-thought-out written document that describes the facility, its oil storage, the procedures for handling oil, the features used to control spillage, and the countermeasures that would be employed should a spill occur. Additional guidance can be obtained from the USEPA.